Larapinta Trail Walking Tours

With its rugged, ancient landscape, the Larapinta Trail is one of the best hiking tracks in the world.

Situated in the heart of Central Australia, the Larapinta Trail extends over 223 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges and is one of the most spectacular multi-day hiking experiences in the world.

The Larapinta Trail begins at the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station and meanders through many gaps and sheltered gorges, climbing steeply over rugged ranges, offering a myriad of stunning views and opportunities to photograph or admire the spectacular landscape. The Larapinta Trail takes in a variety of desert habitats before rewarding walkers with magnificent 360° panoramic vistas, from the summit of Mt Sonder – the highest point and end of the trail. It’s a special place for us and a privilege to share the experience with you.

Itinerary Summary

We guide walking tours for small groups of 8 trekkers – the smallest group size on the Larapinta Trail. Trek Larapinta offers volunteer programs on the Larapinta Trail, supports Indigenous enterprises and practices environmentally responsible travel.

GUEST TESTIMONIALS

My Mum and I had an amazing time on Trek Larapinta's 6 day trek. I can't fault any part of their service, from the pick up, to the camp, to the walks themselves. Our three guides (Anne, Lauren and Kate) were cheerful, encouraging and had an answer to every single question we put to them. While the walks could be challenging at times having a guide leading and another guide following took the pressure of anyone taking it a little slower or who wanted to stop and take an extra photo or two. I had high expectations for the camp food given the good reviews I had read beforehand. Can happily say it exceeded all expectations! Can't recommend this trek enough, thanks Anne, Lauren and Kate for guiding us and Kym for patiently answering my endless questions in the lead up to the trek!

- Kim on the 6 day Larapinta Trail Trek - Trip Advsior August 2016

I am back in Canada and still thinking about the wonderful experience I had on your End to End Larapinta Trail Trek. Having trekked in a Nepal, Peru, Patagonia and more, this trek rates at the top. The scenery is superb and the trail is often a challenge. What makes this trek extra special is the level of service provided throughout. Hayley & Josh were wonderful, and who would have thought that we would have such great meals prepared by them every day. The food and the personality of the guides made it extra special.
Thanks to everyone.

- Alan Moore on the End to End Larapinta Trail trek - August 2016

It's less than a week since I've come home from my guided walk with Trek Larapinta on the Larapinta Trail which heads westwards out of Alice Springs and culminates in a climb to the top of Mount Sonder to watch the sunrise. The trip exceeded my expectations, mainly because of the way our guides, Dan and Stella, helped our little band of eight strangers enjoy the walk through some of the most stunning country I've experienced. Their professionalism, their knowledge of the country, their cooking, their sense of humour and their ability to help mould us into a cohesive (if occasionally rowdy) group have made this 16 days, for me, a truly memorable experience. The Larapinta Trail follows the MacDonnell Ranges, along sharp ridgetops, through deep gorges, across wide open valleys. The texture of the landscape is remarkable, the colours of the rocks are earthy and varied, and the satisfaction of being able to undertake a long walk in such good company is immense. Every time we came into camp from a walk we were greeted with a smile and a bowl of sliced watermelon. We slept under the stars (and a full moon) and were very well fed by Dan and Stella who made the tastiest dishes on the gas stove or the heavy cast-iron camp ovens in the coals of the fire. Because the walk was supported by a four-wheel drive, our packs were light and we only needed to carry water, some extra clothing layers, and personal items such sunscreen and camera. Here's a little story of the professionalism and generosity of this company. One night, as we circled the campfire at the Finke River we saw a two-wheel drive vehicle get bogged a hundred metres or so from us. Dan simply said, "Looks like they could do with a bit of help," and trundled on down in the Troopy to tow him out. No fuss, no bother--just a willingness to help. I'd thoroughly recommend Trek Larapinta and the immersive experience on the 16-day end-to-ender. Arthur

- Arthur on the End to End Larapinta Trail trek - Tripadvisor August 2016

I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our trek with Rob, Lauren and Jacob. I want to say that those three young guides are exceptional young people and made our trip extraordinary. Their knowledge of the landscape, sensitivity to our needs, respect for the environment and the cultural aspect of the country we walked through, bright personalities and culinary skills were an absolute delight, and have restored my faith in the future of our country. They deserve the highest praise, and are the real champions of your business. We will sing your praises to all who care to listen to our travel tales, and would love to travel with you again if the opportunity presents.

- Sue Gower on the 9 day Larapinta Trail Trek (August 2016)

We have just completed the Super 6 Day Larapinta Trek with Trek Larapinta and it exceeded all expectations! Five years in the planning we expected beautiful scenery, but weren't quite prepared for the scale and just how breathtaking it actually is! The trek turned out to be about much more than the scenery. Our guides, Kate and Rob, are experts and an asset to Trek Larapinta. They are very knowledgeable about the geology, flora and fauna of the area and their enthusiasm for sharing the Larapinta with others was inspiring. An added bonus was their superb cooking skills. The fresh, wholesome and extremely yummy food was much appreciated! There were many other highlights; from our fellow trekkers who became firm friends, campfire chats, sleeping under the stars in a swag, very refreshing swims in Birthday Waterhole and the Finke River, a show-off Spinifex Pigeon, to challenging but fun walking. Loved the rock hopping in the gorges! The NT Parks trail builders who constructed all the rock stairs on the slopes are to be commended. We have no hesitation in recommending Trek Larapinta and hope we can join another Trek Australia tour soon!

In early June 2016 eight of us (4 females and 4 males, age range 32 - 67) and guides from Trek Larapinta started their "Super 6 Day Larpinta Trek" option which includes the best and hardest 6 days of the full 16 day trek. This number of trekkers was excellent as we all got to know each other and also the guides. The latter were very friendly, competent, knowledgeable and nice people. There were 2 guides, one of whom went with us on alternate days while the other handled transport and did the cooking. I am a male, aged 67, and moderately fit.
The walking covers rather rough rocky ground as well as, at times, clambering over boulders, walking through gorges and some steep ascents and descents. The views of the West MacDonnell range are excellent. The vegetation also changes. The longest day is 30k. The shortest day is about 13k. On the last day we got up at about 2.30am to climb Mt. Sonder, wearing headlamps, for a view of the sunrise. Unfortunately the clouds obscured this somewhat but getting up early meant that we could make the ascent without many other people and in the cool part of the day. It was an interesting, unusual and unforgettable experience.
We slept in swags under the stars, again, a first experience for me. The meals were excellent and eating with the others each night around a camp fire was very convivial. We were always given a good breakfast and enough snacks for each day. We carried our own water and whatever else was needed, in our day packs. On 3 nights we camped next to a water hole and a quick dip at the end of a long day was very refreshing.
Trek Larapinta were always very professional and conscious of your safety. They office staff are extremely helpful and always ready to answer any questions.
I highly recommend this trek option and the company, Trek Larapinta.

- Michael G on the Super 6 day Larapinta Trail trek - on Tripadvisor June 2016

Just finished a 6 day Larapinta walk.. A great experience and not to be missed. Rugged and beautiful country. Immensely enhanced by the Trek Larapinta guides - Lauren, Jo, Nic and Holger - knowledgeable, and fun people. . Trek Larapinta have something special going on. And they can cook too!.

- Graeme on the 6 day Larapinta Trail trek - on Tripadvisor June 2016

A terrific hiking experience along some of the most spectacular sections of the Larapinta Trail. I spent 6 days with a great group of 10, from 24-29 June, organised by Trek Larapinta. The guides - Jo, Ash and Stella - were wonderfully supportive and informative on the trail, and also cooked the most delicious meals in our enchanting base camp on a riverbank near Ormiston gorge. The pre-dawn hike to Mt Sonder (8 km mostly ascending) was the most challenging day, but the exquisitely beautiful sunrise over the ranges certainly made it worthwhile (although too cold on the day we were there to stay more than 20 - 30 mins). Trek Larapinta is a very well operated hiking company and I would recommend it for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of the Macdonnell ranges on moderately challenging trails (and a few 'difficult' patches with steep ascents and boulder scrambling), with the benefit of carrying only a day pack, and a well appointed base camp to relax at the end of each day's hike. Anyone with less than perfect knees should consider using one or two walking poles, as there are a few very steep downhill descents. There is one creek crossing on Day 5 at Ormiston Creek, about 15 m and almost waist high when we did it, with very cold water and a sandy bottom but with some big rocks and pebbles. Water sandals in the day pack would be useful for this, especially for those with sensitive feet. Summary: A memorable experience in a stunning landscape, with excellent facilities and top guides.

- Tammie on the 6 day Larapinta Trail trek - on Tripadvisor June 2016

I've seen a lot of inland Australia and this ranks as one of the best 6 days I've had in the desert. Terrific company from check in to check out - back of house and guides all of the highest standard. Adaptable to our group where soreness prevailed and accommodating the entire time.

The Trek Larapinta Super Six was an absolutely incredible experience. Super Six are the six days with the most spectacular views (rather than the full 13-day walk) and we absolutely loved it. Be aware, it's not a stroll in the park so you need to be fit and prepared for long days that can be challenging and tiring. But oh - those views are worth every ache. Trek Larapinta are a highly professional company that we cannot recommend highly enough - very experienced, personable guides with a high focus on safety, amazing food and great equipment. To go to sleep at night under a dark velvet sky in a very comfy, warm swag watching shooting stars flash across the heavens is a highlight - oh, did I mention the scrumptious food, amazing guides, incredible scenery, flowers, birds, trees?

- Roberta F on the Super 6 day Larapinta Trail Trek - on Tripadvisor June 2016

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